Norfolk Downtown Tunnel Solarplate Etching

Why not draw a familiar site like this and add it to my Norfolk series? Since there are a lot of waterways in the area and lots of boats, we have quite a few tunnels. Six to be exact, with each place actually having two tunnels, one for each direction. This is called the Downtown Tunnel.  It crosses the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. The first tunnel was built in 1952 and the second in 1987.

Anyway, I had to take a photo while someone else was driving. Of course! 

 

Owen B. Pickett U.S. Custom House - Solarplate Etching

The US Customs Service was established in 1789 and is the oldest federal agency. This customs house is located in downtown Norfolk, Va near the waterfront which makes sense since one of its purposes is to control carriers of imports and exports. The architecture is an example of the Classical Revival style. The construction was completed in 1858. Historians at the time expected it to be "one of the most imposing and showy buildings in the city."  I'm sure they weren't disappointed! It underwent rehabilitation and restoration from 1996-1999 and still serves as a customs house. It certainly is an unusual building for the area.

Another addition to my Norfolk series of solarplate etchings. 

 

Norfolk Botanical Garden - Solarplate

I've seen this building at the Norfolk Botanical Garden many times and I've always thought that it was a good fit for the garden. I was happy when they decided not to demolish and replace it. Good decision! It's an example of mid-century modern architecture and perhaps you can imagine that the roof forms are like flower petals in bloom. Hmm....give it some thought.

         

 

Goldfinch Solarplate Print

I finished my drawing on the solarplate and printed it. I used an oil-based printing ink for this one. I tried a water-based ink and it's almost as crisp as long as I have just slightly damp paper. You can't go back and work on the exposed plate to make any changes but you can go back to the glass plate and work on that. Then expose another solarplate. I'm just learning about the peculiarities of solarplate etching! Of course there's a learning curve with every new process you try. This one will be shorter than learning copperplate etching and you can't argue with that!




I can print this in a different color if I want.
Or add color with watercolor.
Or expose it to the light for a different time for a lighter print.